Dispatch reporters and editors answer readers’ questions about Ohio State athletics at BuckeyeXtra.com.

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Question: Braxton Miller didn’t seem like the same threat running the ball in the last four weeks of the season as he did the first eight. Did he just get worn out, or did defenses do a better job adjusting? — Michael B. Bowling, Marion

Answer: I think it was more the latter. Wisconsin, in particular, was effective in bracketing Miller. Often against a running quarterback, teams will use a linebacker as a spy or shadow, but Miller is so elusive that he can fake out one defender. Boxing in Miller with two spies gave him no escape routes. — Bill Rabinowitz

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Q: Was there any anxiety on the part of the OSU administration having Jim Tressel take part in the ceremony for the 2002 championship team? Was there concern that a negative response from the crowd would dampen the festivities? Was there any question that Tressel would be invited? — Mike Abraham, Niles

A: Certainly discussions occurred behind closed doors that apparently included some degree of frustration, if not anxiety, that the coach responsible for the current bowl ban would be part of the team honored on the field. But athletic director Gene Smith said he was not troubled by Tressel’s inclusion, and the university did nothing to prevent Tressel from being invited or appearing. Several players from the 2002 team suggested they might not have participated if anyone associated with the team — Tressel or running back Maurice Clarett, especially — had been barred. — Rob Oller

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Q: Is Samantha Prahalis still on a WNBA roster? I didn’t hear much about her first pro season. — Jerry Downs, Marietta

A: Prahalis started all 28 games she played for the Phoenix Mercury. She averaged 11.6 points and 4.5 assists and made the all-rookie team. Phoenix finished 7-27, but it won the draft lottery and a chance to pick Baylor’s Brittney Griner in the spring. — Jim Massie